Screening Room Movies at Home: “Lone Survivor,” “Son of God,” “RoboCop”

1. LONE SURVIVOR (R)
Universal

RUSS
“Lone Survivor” is a well-made action flick that tells the true story of a Navy Seal operation in Afghanistan that went terribly wrong. Mark Whalberg leads the cast in this gritty combat flick that puts the audience in the middle of the harrowing battle.

SHAWN
Brutally relentless and achingly authentic “Lone Survivor” is an overly intense and gripping combat movie about a squad of Navy SEALS in Afghanistan that gets ambushed. No spoiler because the title gives it all away. You sort of know what’s going to happen. And it isn’t pleasant. Based on a true story, “Lone Survivor,” is a terrific war movie it’s just very difficult to watch.

RUSS
It’s a little hard to get a grip on the filmmakers’ intent. The movie may lack a point of view, but it’s impressively intense.

SHAWN
Interesting extras including “The Fallen Heroes of Operation Red Wings” where the cast profile the real-life heroes who inspired their characters. And “Learning the Basics” as the cast goes through rigorous SEAL training in weapons handling.

RUSS: 3 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 4 Popcorn Bags

2. SON OF GOD (PG-13)
20th Century Fox

RUSS: “Son of God” was the a feature film about the life of Christ that’s was distilled from footage from the recent hit TV mini-series, “The Bible”. Although reverent and well intentioned, it will likely receive some criticism from Biblical purists. Also, it has edited out footage of Satan because the actor who portrayed the Prince of Darkness in the TV series looked a bit too much like President Obama.

SHAWN
Basically “Son of God” is an average TV-like production forced to be a big boy movie that lacks a true dramatic arch or really anything memorable.

RUSS
Portuguese actor Diogo Morgado gives an affecting performance as Jesus and the film establishes a devout tone. But the greatest story ever told has been told much better in a number of previous films. “Son of God” is dutiful, but uninspired.

SHAWN
The DVD/Blu-Ray release is packed with extras including a section called “Son of God: Reborn.” This features a documentary on what it’s like to be a Christian in 2014 with interviews with varied religious leaders who worked with the filmmakers.

RUSS: 3 Popcorn Bag
SHAWN: 2 Popcorn Bags

3. ROBOCOP (R)

RUSS:
Hollywood can’t resist remakes, particularly of popular titles like.“RoboCop.” Joel Kinnaman steps into the boots worn in 1987 by Peter Weller, and the results are a bit, well…mechanical.

SHAWN
The original was sort of a cult classic. This new version works in the way that you loved your first car but now you have keys to a brand new luxury sports car. You cool now but lacking in charm.

RUSS: While it lacks the humor and satiric edge of the original, the new “Robocop” offers enough mayhem and sharp special effects to please undemanding action fans.

SHAWN
I really liked Samuel L. Jackson who adds much needed energy. He steals the movie. Overall a watchable action flick that will never be guilty of out smarting its audience. The blu-Ray version is loaded with extras but just a bunch of tekkie stuff nothing really all that compelling unless you are a die hard Robocop fan.

RUSS: 3 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 3 Popcorn Bags

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